Clinical Dietitian I

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As an entry level clinician, the Clinical Dietitian I assesses the nutritional status of the patient using recognized tools of assessment, and recommends & counsels patients, family, and / or caregivers on the appropriate nutrition plan to improve the patient's disease or condition management. Works with the general patient population, as well as with patients in more complex levels of care under the supervision of a Clinical Dietitian II or Clinical Nutrition Director.

Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition-related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher levels of care.

Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s). Provides customized nutrition education to patients and / or families and caregivers. Works within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follow up with patients as needed.

Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record.

Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing of trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy.

Other duties as assigned by the leader.

Job Requirements

Minimum :

Bachelor's Degree with completion of an accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics).

Valid registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) must be obtained within 3 months of hire. Until registration is obtained, documentation in a patient's medical record must be signed off on by a dietitian who is registered and licensed (if applicable).

Where You'll Work

Mercy Medical Center, a Dignity Health member, has been building a rich history of care in our community for more than 100 years. We have grown from a small one-story wooden structure into a major healthcare provider with a new 186-bed main campus, offering the latest in facility design and technology. Mercy also operates Outpatient Centers, a Cancer Center and several rural clinics.

Wherever you work throughout our system, you will find faces of experience with dedication to high quality, personalized care. Joining our 1,300 employees, 230 physicians and many volunteers, you can help carry out our commitment to providing our community with the excellence they have come to associate with Mercy Medical Center.

One Community. One Mission. One California ()

Pay Range

$37.40 - $55.63 / hour

We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.